'territory' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'territorium', where 'terra' meant 'earth, land' and the suffix '-orium' indicated 'a place'.

'territorium' passed into Old French (as forms like 'teritoire'/'territoire') and Anglo-French, then into Middle English as 'territorie' and eventually became the modern English word 'territory'.

Initially it meant 'a piece of land, ground, or land under control'; over time it broadened to include political districts, areas of animal activity (territory), and figurative areas of interest or influence.